By Casey Neill
Five Greater Dandenong schools will soon have an on-campus doctor.
Lyndale, Noble Park and Keysborough secondary colleges, Dandenong High School and Oakwood School’s Noble Park campus were among 100 schools chosen for the State Government’s $43.8 million Doctors in Secondary Schools initiative.
Local doctors will visit up to one day a week to address health problems, refer students to specialists, and reduce the pressure on working parents and community-based GPs.
Lyndale student engagement and wellbeing director Ana Finlay said many students didn’t go to see a doctor.
“I see it as a great opportunity to promote health and for our students to access that service that generally they’re reluctant to access,” she said.
“There’s lots of reasons why kids don’t. Some of them are cultural-based, others are embarrassed to go with a parent.
“I think the concept is brilliant.”
Ms Finlay said the doctor could also advise the school of health areas where students could benefit from more education.
Work is now under way on recruitment and training, building consultation rooms at schools and establishing partnerships with healthcare providers.
The GP service will start at 20 schools in Term 1 next year, a further 40 in Term 3 next year, and the remaining 40 from Term 1 in 2018.
Premier Daniel Andrews said young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, were the least likely to see a GP.
“So, putting doctors in schools will make sure these kids have the access to healthcare they need,” he said.
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said: “Happy, healthy and resilient students learn better, stay in school longer and achieve more.”
Keysborough MP Martin Pakula said the program would help students to identify and address their health concerns early.
